How many versions of Windows 2000 Pro are there?

[aceO07]

I bought a used Thinkpad a while ago. It came with Windows XP on it. However, the stock OS is supposed to be Windows 2000 Pro.

So, fast forward to now. I wanted to use Windows 2000 Pro since it has the MS Windows 2000 Pro sticker with the key on the bottom of the laptop.

Since the laptop didn't come with any cds or manuals, I had to acquire the Windows 2000 pro cd. However, the key on the sticker doesn't work with the Windows 2000 Pro CD I used.

Yes, this laptop is supposed to come with Windows 2000 Pro. I checked the specs on their website. So I don't have any reason to think the sticker is fake.

So, do I have the wrong version? Or maybe the key got leaked and too many people used it?

 

[TG2]

theres no activation on the windows 2000, so that code you have couldnt be blacklisted or denied for installing (plus, your not connected to the net yet for it to check)

Is the CD you have OEM or Retail, or Upgrade ?
The code is probably OEM and it sounds like the cd is retail.

 

[aceO07]

The CD is retail.

I think I'll try to find an OEM cd at work. Though I'm not sure if dell OEM windows 2k cds will work on my Thinkpad. I think I tried before and it said it will only install on dell laptops.

 

[Aluvus]

It may be that you need to find a version of the CD with the correct service pack. WinXP apparently checks for this.

There have been 4 Win2k service packs.

 

[luigionlsd]

As far as I know, you just need the same OEM disc as your system, like XP. There's regular OEM, the HP/Compaq disc, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Lenovo (?). If you google hard enough, you'll realize that you can just take the key checks off the disc altogether. This would help lots for deployment!

 

[John]

Any Win 2K Pro OEM cd will do the job.

 

[ForumMaster]

too answer your question, there are 4 versions of w2k but only 3 of w2k pro (retail, oem and upgrade). maybe try Nlite in order to take that check off? either that or just google it.